Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c14.14

c14.14

The post-Mauryan period (cir. 200 B.C.-A.D. 300), especially the third century A.D. marks critical stage in the position of the śūdras. Manu's fanatical anti-śūdra measures and the Purāṇic denunciations of the śūdras for their anti-brāhmaṇical activities indicate a phase of bitter social conflicts and tensions, which was perhaps aggravated by the intervention of the non-brāhmaṇical foreign elements and the increasing importance of artisans. Probably as a result of this conflict, the disappearance of the strong state power of the Mauryas, and the rise of new arts and crafts we notice signs of change in the position of the śūdra. The first two Christian centuries were an age of crafts, commerce, gold and copper coins, trading ports and inland towns. For crafts and commerce the period of the Kuṣāṇas and Sātavāhanas seems to have been as unique as that of the Mauryas for agrarian expansion under the aegis of the state. In no other period of early history India's international trade thrived so much. Naturally the artisans came to the fore, as can be inferred from the epigraphic records of their guilds and donations. Free from state control the guilds could function effectively, and a large number of towns could provide alternative sources of livelihood to oppressed members of the lower orders from the countryside. On the other hand the descriptions of the Kali age suggest a prolonged social crisis caused by a refusal of the two lower varṇas to perform their functions. It was overcome by a policy of coercion and conciliation. Manu's anti-śūdra measures reflect coercion, but he also grants them some concession. The śūdras were given a few minor religious rights.